We all want to look after our bodies and look our best. But the reality is, either we fall out of care or simply don’t get the time, money or have the know-how on how to. Everybody wants to look after their feet, but do you really know how? In this guide I’m going to delve into exactly how to take care of your feet and keep them looking as good as can be.
Pedicures
Everybody knows about them, but not everybody does them! Pedicures are the basis of any good foot plan. Put quite simply, it’s the most important ritual to maintain your feet. But anybody can go for a pedicure right? I mean they’re all the same? Wrong! You really need to look out for a pedicure that’s done right and that’s the run down we have for you.
Soaking your feet in warm water is the start, but what you add in the water is also important. Epsom salts can be great to relax your feet, as well as essential oils like lavender or peppermint. But if you’re prone to fungal issues, apple cider vinegar is a real winner! (It doesn’t smell half as nice though.)
Top tip: Add a teaspoon of olive oil to your soak. It softens skin and preps your feet beautifully for exfoliation.
Exfoliating
Hard skin can be a right pain in the backside, or in the heel should we say, and scrubbing it the right way is essential for healthy feet. Scrubbing is a real task, but only if you use the wrong tools. The best way is to gently exfoliate using a foot scrub or pumice stone. Avoid using many of these new gimmicky scrub products as they can be really harsh on skin and you don’t want to overdo it.
Top tip: Exfoliating twice a week can prevent build-up in the long run and keeps your feet looking better and healthier.
Nails
Trimming your nails is a big part of foot health for a number of reasons. Cut them too short and they don’t look their best. Leave them too long and they will tear your socks and push up against your footwear. Trimming your nails as straight as possible is important to avoid ingrown nails. Of course, we understand not everybody wants dead straight cut nails, but avoiding over curvature is important. Follow around the edges to smooth them over and avoid them growing into your skin.
Top tip: Soften your cuticles with cuticle oil or a warm towel, and gently push them back. Avoid cutting them. They’re there to protect your nails from bacteria.
Hydrate
Hydrating your feet is one of the key aspects of good foot care. If you want healthy looking feet, hydrating them is the number one aspect aesthetically. Dry feet will crack and wrinkle over time, making your feet look older and more worn. Nails crack and become brittle, and are more prone to injury and bacterial infection. At the end of a pedicure it’s always important to use a good moisturiser or foot cream. Focus all over the feet including the heels, arches, nails and between the toes. Massaging the cream in can really give a boost of circulation. Moisturise daily to see the benefits of foot creams and regular foot moisturising and see your skin and feet improve.
Top tip: Pop on a pair of bamboo socks after moisturising (funky bamboo socks if you want to add some personality). They help lock in moisture while allowing your skin to breathe.
Polish (Optional, but fun)
If you love a bit of colour then toe polish is the way to go! Apply a base coat, two layers of polish, and a top coat to seal. Use toe separators for a smoother application and wait at least 20 to 30 minutes before walking around to avoid smudges. Toe polish does restrict the breathability of your nails in varying ways, so having breathable socks and shoes is important for the long term health of your toenails.
Top tip: Wipe nails with a bit of nail polish remover before applying polish. This removes any residue and helps colour stick better.
Bonus tips for well-kept feet
Timing matters: Don’t shave your legs right before a pedicure as it can cause micro-cuts, making you more prone to infection. This is especially important if you’re heading to a salon, as this is where bacteria is more likely to spread (especially other people’s). Remember to shave a few days before your appointment and let the pores close up before a pedicure.
Sanitise: If you’re at a salon, make sure tools are sterilised. If you’re unsure, pick a salon that looks like it adheres to high hygiene standards. You could also take your own tools, but that can get a little awkward! At home, just make sure you clean your tools after every use and keep them out of places where they might come into contact with bacteria.
Switch up your socks: Avoid tight, synthetic socks. The tightness restricts circulation and synthetic fibres are worse for foot care. They make your feet more sweaty, as they don’t let them breathe, giving your feet a breeding ground for bacterial build-up. Go for breathable, antibacterial materials like bamboo. Remember, not all bamboo socks are the same! Check labels and make sure your bamboo socks are made from a high percentage of bamboo. Plus, we always recommend funny bamboo socks because they make your feet happy in more ways than one.